Match, rival, equal, approach, touch are comparable, especially in negative constructions, when they mean to come up to or nearly up to the level or standard of something else.
One thing matches another when it proves to be its mate, rather than its duplicate, in power, strength, performance, beauty, or interest.
One thing rivals another when it closely competes with it for superiority or in excellence.
One thing equals another when it rises to the same level or plane (as in quantity, value, or degree) and there is no question concerning a difference, especially a deficiency.
One thing approaches another when it so nearly equals or matches the other that the difference, though detectable, is seldom important.
One thing touches another thing when it closely approaches the other (as in excellence or beauty).